Walker Evans

matted, 1938

Originally from the collection of Helen Levitt

This photograph, with a faint warm-tonality, is in generally excellent condition. The print is on double-weight paper with a very faint surface sheen. The corners are rounded due to wear, and there is wear at the top edge. Visible in raking light are a very soft handling crease along the center of the bottom edge and a 1/8-inch linear indentation at the lower left corner. When examined with a black light, the print does not appear to fluoresce.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This photograph comes originally from the collection of photographer Helen Levitt, whom Evans met several months before this image was made and with whom he shared a darkroom beginning in early 1938.  It is reminiscent of Levitt's own photographs of chalk drawings by children that she began in 1937 and continued for a decade.

Evans authority Jeff Rosenheim has confirmed that Chalk Drawing is one of a series of graffiti images that Evans made in Greenwich Village in late March and early April of 1938.  The negative is held in the Walker Evans Archive at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.